NBA's Most Improved Player Race (Top 3)

Creator: Ron Chenoy | Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Alright, I'll get it out of the way and say it. I understand we’re only 10-12 games in. I understand some teams have had a cupcake schedule thus far. I understand that Covid will play a role in how the awards shake out. I understand that basketball is a game of runs. That being said today i'm going to compile my current top candidates for the NBA’s “Most Improved Player” award.

Last year the crown was given to Pelicans budding superstar Brandon Ingram after he posted a monster line of: 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 Assists, and 1.0 steals per game. This year we’ve seen a ton of new faces in new places standing out right away. By last year's final results (1. Brandon Ingram, 2. Bam Adebayo, 3. Luka Doncic) I expect to see this award go to the player that made the jump from ‘Solid Starter’ to ‘Superstar’. This season has come with it’s variety of challenges, and personally I think that once fans are in the stands some guys stats are going to take a decent dip, but from what I’ve seen so far this is my short list of potential Most Improved Player candidates.

#1 Christian Wood: PF,C (Houston Rockets)

The 6’10 25 year old has risen way above expectations in his first year for the Rockets, averaging a double-double through his first 10 games of the season. He’ll be the main scorer out in Houston after the messy James Harden trade. We’ve already seen him post monster numbers this year, including 24 PTS/ 18 REB/ 3 BLK in his last outing against the Spurs. Christian Wood is a star on the rise and my current front runner to take home the most improved player trophy.

2019-2020

MPG: 21.4 || PPG: 13.1 || REB: 6.3 || BLK: 0.9 || TOV%: 12.0

2020-2021

MPG: 33.8 || PPG: 23.2 || REB: 10.9 || BLK: 1.9 || TOV%: 8.7

#2 Jerami Grant: PF (Detroit Pistons)

The Player the Pistons let Christian Wood walk for is the 26 year old forward, Jerami Grant. Grant has made an instant impact for a struggling Pistons franchise, almost doubling his point, rebound, and assist totals from last year while playing for the Nuggets. Grant’s usage percentage has jumped from 18.0% to 26.1% in his first 12 games of the season. Grant is the primary scorer out in Detroit, he’s going to log a ton of minutes and develop as the Pistons continue their rebuild.

2019-2020

MPG: 26.6 || PPG: 12.0 || REB: 3.5 || AST: 1.2 || PER: 14.4

2020-2021

MPG: 36.6 || PPG: 24.8 || REB: 6.3 || AST: 2.2 || PER: 20.8

#3 Jaylen Brown: SF (Boston Celtics)

Jaylen Brown has made a solid leap in his 5th year, becoming the legit efficient wing scorer the Celtics invested in. Obviously some numbers might dip with the inclusion of a healthy Kemba Walker, but Brown’s play through his first 12 games deserves some recognition. The 24 year old has 5 games with 27+ points and has posted two double-doubles already, proving he can grab boards when needed. He’s the first player on this list that is playing on a true contender, if he can sustain these numbers Boston will be a legit title contender for years to come.

2019-2020

MPG: 33.9 || PPG: 20.3 || FG%: .48 || AST: 2.1 || PER: 16.9

2020-2021

MPG: 33.6 || PPG: 25.8 || FG%: .53 || AST: 3.8 || PER: 24.8

Honorable Mentions: Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors), Collin Sexton (Cleveland Cavaliers)

* All stats up to date as of 1/18/2021

* Stats used from Basketball-reference.com

* Cover photo via: Creator: Ron Chenoy | USA TODAY Sports

- Ryan Mobley, Upside Play